The mid-point of the high school football season gives me a chance to start anew, put disappointments behind me and strive once again to turn in stellar weeks with my picks.

I believe I have a good read on our local teams, but this job also requires me to keep tabs on their opponents. I've done my research and my thinking cap is on. Here are my picks for Week 6.

Butler at Seneca Valley — It's hard to believe that the Raiders are still searching for their initial victory of 2023. Their frustration ends and the Eagle Traveling Trophy stays put.

Score: Seneca Valley 27-10

Highlands at Mars —The Planets lost on a late score to Moon last week, but it will prove to be a blip on the radar. Mars is too talented to stay down for long.

Score: Mars 27-21

Armstrong at North Catholic — North’s defense vs. Armstrong’s high-powered offense could make this the game of the week.

Score: Armstrong 29-27

Deer Lakes at Knoch — A showdown between two 4-1 teams. Knoch tasted defeat for the first time last week, but the Knights will respond appropriately.

Score: Knoch 33-23

Shady Side Academy at Freeport — A tough test for the Yellowjackets to open Allegheny 6 Conference play — a bit too tough.

Score: Shady Side Academy 24-14

Central Clarion at Karns City — This game matches a Wildcats team that has looked unbeatable against a KC squad riding a tidal wave of momentum. I see the host Gremlins giving the Wildcats their stiffest test of the campaign, but perfection this deep into the season is hard to pick against.

Score: Central Clarion 35-22

Moniteau at Bradford — The Owls ended a 30-game losing streak in early September. Moniteau is looking to snap a three-game skid.

The Warriors cut down on self-inflicted wounds and prevail up north.

Score: Moniteau 28-16

Redbank Valley at Union/A-C Valley — A few weeks ago, I picked the Falcon Knights to lose to a Brockway team ranked sixth in the state and they made me pay by topping the Rovers. This time, their upset bid falls short.

Score: Redbank Valley 37-18

Hickory at Slippery Rock — A stingy Hornets defense will keep the Rockets from win No. 2.

Score: Hickory 31-13

Summit Academy at South Side — The Knights showed a lot of progress, losing by just one score to Northgate last week. South Side, however, provides a much different kind of test.

Score: South Side 44-8

Scoop was 7-3 last week and is 35-19 on the season